Junior Biologist

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Junior Biologist at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority will conduct biological surveys and monitoring to support TRCA’s environmental programs and internal initiatives. Collecting data with standardized protocols, you will ensure high-quality information for TRCA and partners while assisting with training and field safety.

You will analyze data with specialized software, contribute to reports, and collaborate with project teams to interpret findings.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences or related field.
• Valid Ontario G2 driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological surveys/monitoring to support TRCA programs.
• Collect and ensure data is scientifically defensible and input into databases.
• Assist with QA/QC of data and prepare data summaries/reports.

Skills

Biology field skills

Species identification

Survey data analysis

MS Office/MS Teams/SharePoint

Education

Biology or related field

Tools

GIS ArcMap

Job description

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

• The Junior Biologist is responsible for conducting biological surveys/monitoring in support of TRCA’s environmental monitoring programs and various internal projects and initiatives.
• Collects biological data according to standardized protocols and ensures that data are scientifically defensible to guarantee the provision of high-quality information to TRCA and its partners.
• Assists with performing quality assurance and control on data collected and inputs data into corporate databases (e.g., SQL and GIS ArcMap) to provide TRCA with complete and accurate datasets.
• Assists with training and development of field assistant(s) and ensures safety protocols are followed while in the field.
• Assists in the maintenance of a reference collection of specimens to use as training tools and voucher specimens for specific natural areas.
• Prepares data summaries and technical memos/reports with interpretation of data.
• Interfaces with internal project teams and provides technical guidance to those teams; discusses analysis, data compilation and data synthesis with other subject matter experts.
• Uses specialized computer software and technical skills to analyze data collected through acoustic monitoring devices (e.g., Kaleidoscope Pro software to analyze amphibian and wetland birds to species).
• Incumbents may also be assigned other duties.

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences or a related field.
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver’s license.

Experience

• 3+ years of demonstrated experience leading taxa specific surveys according to standardized protocols.
• 3+ years’ experience conducting breeding bird, bat, and amphibian inventories/monitoring according to commonly used protocols for southern ON (e.g., Marsh Monitoring).

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

• Established field skills to identify and interpret fauna species and their required habitat needs.
• Sound knowledge of the biology, ecology, and natural history of the fauna of Ontario.
• Sound knowledge of environmental inventory and monitoring data collection protocols and related equipment.
• Strong navigational skills to efficiently move through survey areas.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite including online software such as MS Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to quickly identify all species of birds (by song and/or call), amphibians (by call, sight, and as roadkill), and mammals (by sight, sound, or tracks) that could be found in the TRCA Region.
• Must be flexible to work all required shifts, including early mornings and late nights.
• Strong navigational skills to efficiently move through survey areas including during night time conditions.